Scotland hero Martin Skrtel reckons Slovakia's red card was 'bulls**t' – and insists they would have won with 11 men.

The 32-year-old former Liverpool defender netted an own goal in the dying moments of the Hampden showdown to gift Scotland a famous victory and keep their World Cup 2018 dream alive.

Slovakia had to play with 10 men for 67 minutes after Robert Mak was shown a second yellow card for diving.

And Fenerbahce ace Skrtel blamed Serbian ref Milorad Mazic - who was already a controversial figure after sending Skrtel off in their earlier last gasp 1-0 defeat to England - for another late heartache.

Robert Mak dives (Image: Action Plus)

Martin Skrtel puts the ball in his own net to give Scotland a precious 1-0 World Cup win (Image: Daily Record)

He said: "This is not the first time we have had problems with that referee.

"We thought we had done enough to get second place. I am convinced if we had played the Scots with the same number of players we would have had more quality and won.

"We were better player for player, but the pressure from Scotland with the extra man was enormous.

"The sending off was total bulls**t. He went down and demanded a penalty - he didn't get it, but got up immediately.

Mak dives under the challenge of Craig Gordon before being sent off (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

and is then sent off (Image: Daily Record)

"For some reason the ref considered it simulation. We told the ref it was wrong, but he wasn't listening.

"He also got booked for his first foul.

"For my own goal, these things happen in football.

"We had been under pressure for a long time. I slipped and went to clear it. Maybe if I didn't try to clear it, they would have scored anyway.

"I tried to clear it with the best of intent. Football is all about mistakes - unfortunately mine was critical."

And Skrtel is convinced Slovenia can take something from Scotland and allow Slovakia to clinch second place if they beat Malta.

He stressed: "We have one match to go, but unfortunately it is not in our hands now. But I believe Slovenia can help us.